How Long Do Car Batteries Last?

Many Abline drivers ask our service department “How long do car batteries last?”. Typically, cars require a new battery after three to four years. Remember, these numbers change depending on the car and how it’s used. Because of this, it’s important to know and understand when your car is telling you it’s time for a new battery. A sudden dead car battery could deter your entire day, so it’s important to change it ahead of time. To learn more, read below!

Average Vehicle Battery Life 

Keeping up with maintenance for your vehicle is an important part of vehicle upkeep. Just like you should routinely get your oil changed and tires rotated, you should also regularly get your battery changed so you can ensure your vehicle is working properly. As mentioned before, different vehicles and drivers will have different battery lives. Some Midland drivers may suggest waiting 5-6 years to change the battery while others recommend 2-3 years. The age of your vehicle and how often you drive it can impact the time in which you should wait to get a new battery. If you’d like a specific number for your specific vehicle, stop by our service department and they can give you a more concrete timeline. 

Factors That Can Shorten Battery Life 

Different variables can shorten the battery life, meaning you may need to change your battery more often. The following factors have an impact on your battery: 

• Driving Habits: This has one of the largest impacts. Those who leave their car sitting for long periods of time are more likely to weaken their car’s battery. Driving your vehicle allows your battery to charge, so make sure to take it on a drive at least once a week. 
• The Ignition: Leaving the power on while the ignition is off can drain your battery. Make sure the car is either fully on or fully off.
• Lights: When you exit your car, make sure to turn off all of the lights. The interior lights as well as your headlights deplete your car’s battery quickly, causing it not to start the next time you attempt to drive it. 
• Climate & Location: Driving in a hot climate year-round will weaken your battery more than if you drive in a cooler climate. If you have a garage, be sure to take advantage of it.

How Do You Know That Your Car Battery is Low? 

To avoid a dead battery surprise, it’s important to know the signs of one. The most obvious sign that your battery is nearing the end of its life is its age. If your car battery is approaching three to four years old, you’ll want to visit us for a battery load test to make sure it’s still working properly. Some additional signs include: 

• Car lights are dim
• Car lights are dim
• Check engine light is on 
• The engine is slow to start 
• The battery case looks warped or misshapen 
• Electric issues (cell phone charger, heated seats, etc. aren’t working) 
• Connectors for the battery are corroded 

Schedule a Car Battery Change at Little Honda! 

Don’t let a dead car battery ruin the rest of your day in Odessa. Schedule a service online and allow us to check your battery to make sure it’s healthy and ready to go! Check out our service specials to see any deals available as well. Contact us if you need any more information!